Skiing Snowboarding Helmet Use

In 2013/2014, 58.3% (47.7%, 68.2%) of Simcoe Muskoka aged 12 years and over reported almost or always wearing a helmet when skiing or snowboarding. This is similar to what was reported for Ontario (58.9% (55.7%, 62.0%). The local rate for helmet use while skiing or snowboarding increased significantly between 2009/10 (40.1% (30.8%, 50.2%) and 2011/12 (62.7% (54.7%, 70.0%), while the provincial rate has shown a significantly increasing trend each year from 2009/10 to 2013/14.

By Sex

In Simcoe Muskoka for 2009 to 2014 combined, no significant differences were observed between the proportion of males and females (12+) that report almost or always wearing a helmet when skiing or snowboarding; however, the proportion for Ontario females was significantly higher when compared to males.

By Age Group

The percentage of the population (12+) that report almost or always wearing a helmet when skiing or snowboarding varies by age group. In Simcoe Muskoka, no significant differences were observed between age groups; however, in Ontario the rate for those aged 12 to 19 and 20 to 44 was a significantly lower when compared to all other age groups.

By Education and Income

Wearing a helmet when skiing or snowboarding is highest among those with higher levels of education and income. In Simcoe Muskoka, no significant differences were observed between education levels for adults aged 25 to 64 who reported almost or always wearing a helmet when skiing or snowboarding; however, the proportion of Ontario adults (25-64) with a degree or higher was significantly higher when compared to those with a lower level of education.

Additionally, significantly more of the population (12+) living in households in the top twenty per cent (or 5th quintile) of income (67.6% (57.4%, 76.4%) reported almost or always wearing a helmet when skiing or snowboarding compared with those in the bottom income quintile (34.1% (29.3%, 46.0%). This was consistent with the pattern observed with the Ontario-level data.